SPLM Transformation: pessimistic and optimistic view
By Kidi Samuel
June 24, 2008 — Practicing politics is a social responsibility to bring about positive transformation to the people and every body has a civil right to exercise it.
From the pessimistic view, the current political transformation situation in Southern Sudan is favourable for mushrooming of fault politicians whose interests are vested on practicing politics as source of livelihood especially, when chance of becoming a leader is a night mare and it is not based on any parameters such as achievements and commitment to the party, self scarify, and above all, ability to bring the desired change to the general public among other guiding principles which could have been put in place. The transformation could be an opportunity for infiltration into the SPLM system like what happened during the cold war to the former Soviet Republic. As result, the face of the movement may get distorted in the forthcoming election and it would reduce the chance of liberating the marginalized people of Sudan starting from South.
From the optimistic view, It is a chance for SPLM to get new blood, ideas and more energy necessary for navigation towards the objectives of the SPLM. It is also offers a room to show that SPLM is accommodative, democratic and honest in its quest for change. It could also reinforce SPLM ability to strive in areas that were not pro-SPLM.
Need for reconciliation, peace, transformation to democracy and good governance in Southern Sudan are priorities like oxygen, water, food and sleeping. Most bad things always come in good clothes. Therefore, if the current affair is left for chance, the possibility of it causing harm to the liberation struggle which I believe has not yet ended with signing of the CPA could be high. Remember that the war strategies have changed with changes in political environment of Sudan and the World.
In conclusion, Transformation generally comes with good and bad but to achieve the objectives of transformation, it depends on how vigilant, analytic, preventive and mitigating to disasters the SPLM is equipped now.
The author is the D/Director of Market Infrastructure Development for the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Supply-GOSS, Juba. He can be reached at [email protected]
Lual Dennis Deng Garang
SPLM Transformation: pessimistic and optimistic view
yes Mr. Kidi,
I thinks and Guest that SPLM is tranformed that is why you see those of Dr.Riek are holding the top key position in the SPLM and Government of Southern Sudan. Dr. riek is now the first vice chairman of the SPLM and vice president of GoSS. democractically it is also tranformed that is why SPLM convention was conducted in the state level,and some of the Top SPLM senior officer has lost their position to new recruited members who were from NCP and they joined SPLM recently.